Venezia: 2014 will be hot year for Feet to the Fire

Jan. 2, 2014

Updated 10:51 a.m.

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Assemblyman Alan Mansoor participated in a Feet to the Fire forum in 2012 while running for reelection, and is expected back next year as a candidate for supervisor. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Audience members including former congressional candidate Steve Young, former state Sen. Marian Bergeson and former Newport Beach Mayor Evelyn Hart enjoy the proceedings at a 2012 Feet to the Fire forum. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Assemblyman Alan Mansoor participated in a Feet to the Fire forum in 2012 while running for reelection, and is expected back next year as a candidate for supervisor. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

It’s a New Year and time to look ahead.

2014 will be an important year on the political scene in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. We’ll see council races in both cities, as well as in our Assembly district, the 74th. Voters will also be asked to choose a new county supervisor for our area.

Though we’ve already seen some candidates throw their hats in these rings, there are more on the horizon who could join the fray as January and February roll around.

Since campaigns in these races have become so expensive, candidates seem to be declaring their intentions earlier and earlier. Some hope to scare off competitors, while others feel the longer they have to raise money the better their chances to compete. But with so many races, and a limited funding pool in the area, many candidates will be knocking on the same doors.

I predict raising money this year will be challenging because of the number of races, and candidates with many of the same friends in their political party.

Each campaign season, I interview those running for office.

I believe an educated voter is important to shaping good government, which is why four years ago I created the Feet to the Fire forums along with John Canalis, editor for Times Community Newspapers in Orange County.

We met in December to discuss the upcoming season of forums and are committed to bringing informative and entertaining programs to you this year.

There will be four forums in 2014 with some changes to our panel.

Frank Mickadeit of the OC Register will be leaving the team of journalists, as he pursues his new career as a lawyer. With Mickadeit gone, Canalis will now rejoin the questioning side of the stage, rather than sharing emcee duties with me.

He’ll now be sitting with Jack Wu and Roger Bloom of the OC Register and Norberto Santana Jr. of VoiceofOC.org, asking questions of candidates.

On April 17, at the Costa Mesa Community Center, we’ll kick off the first forum, featuring the candidates for Assembly.

A week later, on April 24, we’ll invite those vying to be your next county supervisor to that same stage.

On Sept. 18, we’ll be back at the Costa Mesa Community Center to interview candidates running for council in that city.

And on Oct. 1, we change venues for the first time and move to the Oasis Senior Center in Newport Beach, to talk to candidates running for city council there.

Why do so many different forums? Because all these levels of government directly affect our quality of life with the decisions they make.

I’m often asked what goes on behind the scenes of organizing Feet to the Fire.

As the producer of the event, it’s my job to invite candidates. I explain to each what they can expect, and that we’re looking for their opinions on issues so there really won’t be a question they can’t answer. I tell them to relax and have fun.

Are candidates ever hesitant to step on our stage and be grilled by these journalists? In some cases yes, and in others, no.

It has been my experience that the more self-assured candidates are eager for the opportunity to go head-to-head with our tough questioners. They see it as a chance to display the stronger side of their personality, and the ability to hold their own under pressure.

In my opinion, those hesitant to participate don’t have the confidence they can control the conversation, or trust their own behavior.

Are the journalists just out to embarrass candidates? Absolutely not, the goal is to see how well candidates think on their feet, and how committed they are to their point of view on issues.

Those who haven’t done well on our forums, and there have been only a couple, have embarrassed themselves by attacking other candidates angrily or opening the door on issues they probably shouldn’t have.

Most that have graced our stage have shined and used the opportunity to enhance their profile with the public, even turning their chances of winning around.

So as the first week of this New Year unfolds, I look forward to getting to know each of the candidates, and gearing up for what should be an interesting Feet to the Fire season!

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